Check crew members of vessels carefully, says union

Union secretary A. Balasubra­maniam said this was to ensure that the disease was not spread to Malaysian port workers.

“As symptoms of the disease are not visible, a more stringent screening of ship crew is essential,” he said.

“Currently, there is a procedure for all ships at ports to be checked by health officials,” he pointed out.

The Ebola virus disease is transmitted by direct contact with the blood, body fluids and tissues of infected animals or people.

Those at higher risk of infection are medical and health workers, family members and others in close contact with sick people and deceased patients.

He said local port health officials and port authorities should carry out regular campaigns to educate workers on the Ebola virus and other communicable diseases which could be spread by crew members of arriving ships.

“Health authorities should give handouts on the Ebola outbreak to port workers nationwide to create awareness of the disease and to be cautious when they come in contact with workers suspected of carrying the disease,” Balasubramaniam added. — Bernama